Mekonen is essentially a role model for Israeli youth, all immigrants, and, in particular, for Ethiopian-Israelis. “We seem to think that we did the Ethiopians a favor by bringing them to Israel,” says Rebecca. “We forget that they gave up successful and peaceful lives to come here. In addition, it was spiritually a step down for them: in Ethiopia, they had lived connected to the Torah and the Beit HaMikdash.” And yet, despite the challenges, Mekonen persevered. Determined, he chose to make his life a success. And in doing so, he serves as an inspiration to others. In a telling segment of the film, the students at Hodayot share their impressions after watching Mekonen graduate from officer training school. “I have a lot to learn from him,” says one boy.
Grit, bravery and determination are qualities that one would expect to see in an IDF officer; humility isn’t. It therefore comes as a surprise that the quality of humility is so clearly etched into the lines of Mekonen’s face. “His humility is what makes him so powerful,” says Rebecca, honing in on another quality that arouses our sympathy for this hero.
The scope of the movie reaches beyond Israel. “Mekonen” is a story that disproves the myths about Israeli apartheid and reframes Israel and its soldiers in a more truthful and human way. At a time when there is an urgent need to properly educate Jewish college students so that they can change the discourse about Israel and the IDF, “Mekonen” is a story that gives students the knowledge and skills to advocate successfully for Israel.
Thanks to this film and the supplementary events offered by “JU Israel Gap Year,” North American students who took part in the program feel equipped to message Israel on campus next year. “Jerusalem U has given me the confidence to identify how I can best deliver my vision for the Israeli state. Through blogging, event planning, and public speaking workshops, as well as the constant individualized attention from the staff, I now have a toolbox for next year at UC Davis where Israel is a hot topic,” said San Francisco, CA, native Arielle Zoken. “Equipped with the history and facts of the conflict, as well as so many powerful personal stories, I feel prepared to answer questions and provide valuable insight with regards to Israel, her people, and her neighbors,” she added.
A Universal Message
Like all documentaries, “Mekonen” had no set script prepared before shooting began. “It’s all about asking the right questions,” says Rebecca, sharing a behind-the-scene secret. Indeed, the power of raw emotions seen in the film comes from hearing Mekonen, his mother, his former commander, Eden, and the staff at Hodayot speak from their hearts to relay a universal message: It may be a struggle, but you can reach your potential. In a moving moment, Mekonen shares this life-skill as a motto he received from his father: “An egg can walk in the end.” It’s a message of hope for all of us.
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Jerusalem U
Jerusalem U has produced several highly acclaimed documentaries including Netflix-featured “Beneath the Helmet: From High School to the Home Front (2014) and the PBS film Israel Inside.” “Mekonen” is a follow-up to “Beneath the Helmet,” which followed five IDF recruits, including Abebe, through their Israeli army training. In the 18 months since its release, “Beneath the Helmet” has been screened more than 1,000 times in locations around the world, including the Palm Beach International Film Festival and several Jewish Film Festivals in the United States and the United Kingdom.